Hiring for AI in 2026? What the Next Generation of Talent Actually Values with Google DeepMind Scholar Emma Rattray

Every organisation is racing to adopt AI but capability isn’t just about technology. It’s about people.In this episode, host Shannon speaks with Emma Rattray, an AI Engineer whose journey from chemical engineering to software development and AI research offers an honest look at what the next generation of AI talent truly values and how forward-thinking leaders can attract and retain it.After earning a fully funded scholarship for her master’s in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Edinburgh, Emma has become one of the most insightful emerging voices in the UK AI space. Through roles at Procter & Gamble, IBM, and JP Morgan, and her current work in robotics and computer vision, she has seen how technical excellence and human leadership intertwine.In this conversation, Emma and Shannon explore how young professionals are navigating a world where AI progress moves faster than workforce readiness.You’ll hear:How Emma pivoted from chemical engineering into AI without a computer-science degree.The “magic combo” of skills that makes today’s AI professionals stand out: strong software fundamentals plus applied ML and data-science experience.Why learning in public and sharing work, experiments and reflections online builds visibility, confidence and opportunity.3 Key Insights Emma learned inside major organisations Procter & Gamble, JP Morgan and IBM.How her research into robotics perception in cluttered environments shows why messy, real-world data drives real progress.Why confidence and adaptability have become essential skills for anyone working with fast-moving technology.What early-career AI talent now looks for in employers: supportive cultures, genuine learning environments, and leaders who communicate with clarity and care.Guest Information:Connect with Emma Rattray on LinkedinAbout Your Host:  Shannon McKechnie is the Managing Director at MBN Solutions - the Data and AI talent experts, and a passionate advocate for building exceptional teams and authentic leadership. As co-host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Shannon brings a grounded, people-first perspective to leadership ,exploring how trust, alignment, and shared success drive high-performing teams in today’s complex landscape.Please note: The views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.Connect with MBN Solutions:MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com